The Rules of Parenting

October 24, 2008 by Kailani  
Filed under books, family topics, giveaways, random thoughts, reviews

This giveaway is now closed. Thank you for your participation.
The winners are ab, Julie Neff, Samantha, Pat, Kristinia, My Precious Pennies, Linda B, Rebecca C, Sarah, & Vanessa C.
Congratulations!

Do you ever wish there were a set rules on how to be a good parent? Well, The Rules of Parenting: A Personal Code for Raising Happy, Confident Children by Richard Templar.

From Amazon.com: “There are lots of wrong ways to bring up your kids, but there are lots of right ones, too. There’s no list of instructions you have to follow to the letter if you don’t want your child to end up a loser. The Rules of Parenting presents the principles to follow which you can adapt to suit you and your children. Beginning with the first rule “Relax” and continuing through 100 rules, this book presents a guide to everything a parent needs to know from toddling, school, boyfriends or girlfriends, through driving lessons and college. The book begins with a section that covers the most important rules, The Rules for Staying Sane. The rest of the sections cover the some of the big questions of parenting, including the Attitude Rules, the Discipline Rules, the Sibling Rules, the School Rules, the Teenage Rules, the Crisis Rules, all the way up to the Grown-up Rules. “

I had the opportunity to review this book and although I didn’t agree with everything in it, I found it to be entertaining and a great read. There were a lot of helpful advice that really made me sit down and think about the way I’m raising my girls.

I especially liked rule #1: Relax.

“Really good parents expect their children to be noisy, messy, bouncy, squabbly, whiny, and covered in mud. They take it all in stride. They know they’ve got 18 years to turn these small creatures into respectable grown-ups, and they pace themselves. No rush to get them acting like adults – they’ll get there in good time.”

So true. And something I definitely need to work on. I need to try to remember that my girls are just kids and kids make noise and messes. I need to remember to let them just be kids sometimes. :-)

Buy it!

Purchase your copy of The Rules of Parenting from Amazon.com today for $11.55.

Win it!

I have 10 copies of The Rules of Parenting to give away to ten lucky winners. To enter:

  • Just mention in comments before midnight, Nov 1st one important rule in your family. That’s it!
  • A random winner will be selected and notified on Nov 2nd.
  • The winner will then have 3 days to claim their prize.

To earn extra entries, you may do one or all of the following. Each one counts as an extra ticket but you must leave a separate comment for each one.

  • Subscribe to my feed.
  • Mention this giveaway on your blog with a link back here.
  • Place my button in your sidebar.

This giveaway is open to US addresses. Good luck!

About the author:
Owner and founder of An Island Life. Sharing my life as a mother to 3 wonderful daughters, working as a flight attendant, and living a blessed life in Hawaii.

Comments

185 Responses to “The Rules of Parenting”
  1. Hil'Lesha says:

    I think it is important for my son to go to bed on time. :)

  2. Dad of Divas says:

    That hitting is never allowed!

  3. Dad of Divas says:

    Connected to the Feed as well!

  4. K. Cleaver says:

    No screaming in the house.

  5. K. Cleaver says:

    I’m a subscriber too.

  6. K. Cleaver says:

    Your button is in my sidebar.

  7. LINDA Best says:

    always be honest

  8. tracey says:

    Number 1 rule: Family is more important than friends.

  9. jennefer sweitzer says:

    Never tell anyone to shut up, everyone’s has a right to say what is on their mind.

  10. Sandy says:

    don’t expect the kids to be honest if you are not..lead by example- show them what is right and lead by example..

  11. Sandy says:

    subscriber

  12. Rosie says:

    Designate at least one to two nights a week that everyone will be at the same meal at the same time at home.

  13. rebecca snodgrass says:

    To treat others as you would like to be treated.

  14. Ruby says:

    One of the biggest rules in our house is to be involved in each other’s lives, especially with kids in school.

  15. Ruby says:

    I’m also a subscriber.

  16. Brian Morin says:

    Always eat dinner together as a family.

  17. Mia J. says:

    To be kind to everyone you meet and to tell the truth.

  18. Kristine says:

    One of the most important rules are to listen to what they have to say and explain why it’s still no. We want them to feel heard. Giving them 2 choices w/the consiquence.

  19. We actually have a printed list of the ‘Lietz Family Rules’ in our front hall, and the first rule is ‘Be Kind’. There are many problems that can be fixed with just some simple kindness, and for us, kindness starts with how we treat each other!

  20. Alicia Webster says:

    “Act like a grown-up”. This rule applies to my husband and myself, not our children. My husband and I are naturally immature, and lazy people, and we tend to let things slide too much and to be too permissive. This rule reminds us that someone in our household had better darn well act like an adult, or our kids will suffer in the end.
    Alicia Webster
    5webs@comcast.net

  21. Renee says:

    A rule that I think is important is to always tell our kids and now grandkids how special and unique they are. That being an individual is more important than following the crowd.

  22. BlapherMJ says:

    Treat each other the way you want to be treated! And I subscribe to you as well. Thanks!

  23. The rule right now is “no hitting” since my lil one is starting his terrible 2’s!

  24. We are subscribers at
    phillipsonlygirl at gmail dot com

  25. Sheri F says:

    Always speak in a nice voice

  26. Jo says:

    Honesty is the best policy
    jceko77@yahoo.com

  27. Jo says:

    I’m a subscriber
    jceko77@yahoo.com

  28. VeRonda says:

    I am about whatever makes life easier… I will say, however, you have to just go with the flow ’cause it seems like a book just doesn’t cut it sometimes… And, what did the old schoolers do (our parents) when raising children? LOL!

  29. VeRonda says:

    Oh, and I would say to always be truthful.

  30. Bertie says:

    Looksa like a good read. In our house we always make sure to say we’re sorry and then give hugs!:)

  31. Marlena U. says:

    What parent couldn’t use a little advise every now and then?!? :) m_huston(at)hotmail(dot)com

  32. Marlena U. says:

    I’m a subscriber, too.

  33. Donna S. says:

    Must be involved in some type of after school activity.

  34. Donna S. says:

    I’m subscribed.

  35. susan varney says:

    stand by your family first no one else is going to

  36. ab says:

    An important rule for us, especially having little ones, is speaking with kindness and doing things with a happy heart!

  37. Lauren C says:

    Set allowances and teach kids to work for their money!

  38. David B says:

    No drinking alcohol before noon.

  39. Gina Stratos says:

    Because I said so
    gkstratos@yahoo.com

  40. Gina Stratos says:

    Subscriber
    gkstratos@yahoo.com

  41. christopher h says:

    family comes first

  42. Rebecca R says:

    For my husband and I, it to be honest. We have a new son to start our family and thus we are coming up with rules. This would be a great starting point for us! I am also a subscriber

  43. Dan Smith says:

    We eat meals together

  44. shannon Baas says:

    To treat others as you want to be treated.

  45. Melissa S says:

    Be nice to each other – treat your brother/sister like you want them to treat you.

  46. Melissa S says:

    I am a subscriber.

  47. Melissa B. says:

    Parents have the final say.

  48. Tonya Froemel says:

    work for what you want

  49. sandra kao says:

    in our family, we try not to seem aggravated when we are, and it’s quite difficult at times with toddlers!

  50. sandra kao says:

    subscribed

  51. A rule in our house is family dinner every night!

  52. I’m a subscriber. =)

  53. Jessica says:

    Count to ten before speaking if you are angry.

  54. Cindi says:

    Hello, I would really appreciate winning this parenting book! Manners is an important rule in our home! Please enter me in your drawing. Many thanks, Cindi

  55. Carla Pullum says:

    I too love rule 1!!!!!!
    I need more relaxation inmy life!

  56. Valerie Furr says:

    To show each other as much love as we can and as they grow older they will return this love and more.

  57. Susan C says:

    I can’t stand bickering, so our house rule is to take arguments outside.

  58. Susan C says:

    I’m subscribed!

  59. charline s says:

    #1 rule for else is to show respect for others

  60. Lisa Fosses says:

    no swearing

  61. Debbie says:

    The family must sit at the table and eat dinner together each night. Occasionally this rule is waived, depending on what is going on.

  62. Christina says:

    We don’t hit one another.

  63. Christina says:

    I subscribed to your feed, thanks.

  64. karen c. says:

    We have rules in our house like “no hitting Mommy” and “no biting Mommy”. Maybe one day we’ll have to expand the rule to no biting or hitting anyone. :)

  65. Brad Webb says:

    Always call your elders yes sir and no sir!

  66. Mary Kavanaugh says:

    The Golden Rule applies at out house. It cover just about everything.

  67. One important rule in our house is that it’s okay to get angry. It’s a weird one, but we feel that it’s the most important. We’re all just human, and in a way getting into fights and stuff just goes to show that we’re passionate. So it’s okay if we get angry and fight sometimes…we just get over it and make up. It’s a more realistic rule than something like “NO FIGHTING”.

  68. Your button is on my blog in the left sidebar under “sites that I love”

  69. I am also a subscriber to your feed via RSS Bandit!

  70. Alissa says:

    I think respecting your elders is very important!

  71. tobye says:

    Respect each other!

  72. hetal g says:

    don’t move from the dining table when eating dinner.
    herry123_us@live.com

  73. Lori says:

    No biting! Sometimes even that one is hard to enforce!

  74. Rebecca C says:

    Our main rule is treat each other the way you would want to be treated. That tends to fall under the realm of no violence and no name calling.

  75. Rebecca C says:

    I have your button on my blog: Here

  76. Rebecca C says:

    I am a subscriber!

    mommyhoodisthankless{AT}gmail.com
    legacyofbrutalitysa{AT}gmail.com

  77. Rebecca C says:

    I blogged about this giveaway: Here

  78. Debra F. says:

    I think that children need love and discipline.

  79. Holly says:

    What’s for dinner is what’s for dinner. Take it or leave it, but don’t tell me you’re hungry later! Terrific giveaway. Thanks.

  80. Vanessa C. says:

    Our main rule is that when it comes to everything you have to at least ‘try’. It doesn’t matter if you fail, you have to try anyway. Great giveaway!!!

  81. staceyk says:

    One rule we have is to take your dirty dishes to the sink/dishwasher after you are done eating. Simple but very helpful.

  82. staceyk says:

    I also subscribe. Thanks!

  83. Pat Connors says:

    Respect for all.

  84. valerie mabrey says:

    everybody has a voice

  85. Allison Dumont says:

    We have a one year old and haven’t made any firm rules yet…but RESPECT is a big one for hubby and me that we’ll pass on to the little guy. Would love this book-thanks!

  86. michelle says:

    never go to bed angry is a very important rule in our home

  87. Angela says:

    Trust in God.

  88. Roxanne says:

    Be polite and honest.

  89. Heidi Todd says:

    We eat dinner every night together as a family to touch base with everyone

  90. Jenn H says:

    I have toddlers so the number one is no hitting or biting.

  91. Karen Gonyea says:

    Never go to bed angry.

  92. tami lewis says:

    don’t use your hands to do the talking! no violence allowed!

  93. i’m always looking for good parenting books since i’m involved in a parents ministry for my church. thanks for the opportunity to win!

  94. Shannon says:

    Well our first is still in utero but a rule we have for the cats is no fighting. :o )

  95. amandasue says:

    My family motto is “Treat others as you want to be treated” which means be polite and nice to each other (easier said then done though!)

  96. katie stacey says:

    Our little girl is only 1 so we don’t have too many rules for her. A rule I have for myself is to remain patient and remember that she will grow up way too fast.

  97. sylvia says:

    always act out of love first!
    mrsdouglas5@yahoo.com

  98. kari says:

    We practice attatchment parenting therefore there is no spanking, just calm discussions (usually, sometimes it doesn’t work!) :)

  99. kari says:

    Im also a subscriber!

  100. leslie says:

    One rule we have is that no one says they “hate” anyone else.

  101. Shae says:

    wow…most of our rules have been mentioned already! We are big on always tell the truth even if it causes pain – truthful pain is easier to deal with than deceitful pain.

  102. Heather says:

    I would love to read this. One thing we’re trying to teach our kids is that it’s okay to be frustrated, upset, angry, whatever…it’s okay to feel it but to be responsible and respectful in their reactions.
    Thanks for the giveaway. Heather
    poncey76 at hotmail dot com.

  103. Say “no” as infrequently as reasonably possible. So when it is necessary, your child will know it.

  104. Valerie says:

    communicate with each other, don’t keep secrets, etc

  105. Ebie says:

    would love to read this, would it be too obvious if i passed it off to some friends ;)

  106. Kristy says:

    Be respectful!

  107. Jesica says:

    One of the most important rules in our house is to ‘treat each other nicely’

  108. Samantha says:

    The number one rule in our house is respect; yourself and others.

    Thanks for hosting this giveaway, please be sure to check mine out, as well!

  109. Felicia L says:

    The lines of communication are always open, thank you.

  110. Felicia L says:

    i subscribe.

  111. Kam A says:

    Use words to communicate!

  112. Ashley says:

    no hitting! thanks!

  113. This isn’t the most important, but it’s handy and it’s the first that came to mind: Finish everything on your plate before you have seconds of anything.

  114. Julie Neff says:

    One important rule in our family is take off your shoes before you come upstairs. It’s so easy, even my 2 year old understands it! And it helps save the carpet!

  115. Hil'Lesha says:

    I’d love to read this! :)

  116. Lisa says:

    We don’t leave the house without hugs and kisses. I figure this will last until my son gets old enough that he thinks it’s uncool for mama to hug and kiss him! LOL Thanks for the giveaway!

  117. Elaine says:

    One rule is actually for my husband and I. To always present a united front and not let the kids think they can play one of us against the other. We haven’t really had to use it that much since our oldest is only 4 but I can tell we’re gonna need it soon!

    This book looks great! Thanks!

  118. Chantelle says:

    everyone must eat at the dinner table together! Awesome Giveaway. Thank you for the chance to win

  119. Sito says:

    Think about how your actions affect others and act in a non-hurtful way.

  120. Sarah says:

    no TV in the car that is a time to share how life is going and enjoy time with your family!
    Thanks for this Chance HOPE I WIN!!
    ; )

  121. Niki Miller says:

    Our number 1 rules is to never leave without saying I love you!

  122. Reva Skie says:

    Some things are just not negotiable.

  123. amy says:

    enter me please

  124. Jennifer says:

    One important rule in our house is to treat others how you want to be treated (brothers, sisters, mom, dad, and everyone else!)

  125. Chrysa says:

    It’s simple: Be nice! Thanks for the giveaway!

  126. Stacey says:

    An important rule in our house is “fight” fair. No accusatory or passive aggressive language. Be willing to talk things out.

  127. Brianne says:

    We have various rules, but they all seem to boil down to being kind to others. Sounds like a good book! Thanks for the chance to win!

  128. Jennifer C says:

    No hitting or biting! Thanks for a great giveaway!
    jjdragonfly [at] gmail [dot] com

  129. always tell the truth!

  130. A Casson says:

    One important rule would be Wipe your feet real good before coming in the front door

  131. momhuebert says:

    Our Rule: Rules must be obeyed, but relationship always trumps rules.

  132. marybeth i says:

    Clean up after yourself

  133. marybeth i says:

    Your button is on my blog

  134. Candis Hansen says:

    Always tell the truth!!!

  135. c gibbs says:

    Always say please and thank you. Make it a habit to tell your family you love them on a daily basis. Have your kids spend as much time as possible with their grandparents-these memories will last them a lifetime!

    daytoncat1(at)yahoo(dot)com

  136. Betsy Pauzauskie says:

    We use our words.

  137. Carolyn Ellis says:

    Always say I love you before you go to sleep, and mean it.

  138. Pat says:

    One important rule is to tell the truth.

  139. Elina says:

    Respect your parents.

  140. Rosanne Morrison says:

    Where there’s a will there’s a way

  141. Katrina says:

    leading by example! I would love to win! Thanks! =)

  142. Don’t talk back! See….I probably need to win this…

  143. Brenda S. says:

    Family is more important than friends. Thanks!!

  144. Tammy OHagan says:

    I want my daughter to know that your only as good as your word and when it comes to friendships its better to have quality than quantity.

  145. Roseann K. says:

    No television while eating dinner!

  146. Denise Carr says:

    Use your words – not your hands!

  147. Veronica Garrett says:

    Show Respect to others.

  148. Marion B says:

    No running out in the street!

  149. Ed Nemmers says:

    Sweet niblets!

  150. kathy pease says:

    SAY I LOVE YOU DAILY :)

  151. Ed Nemmers says:

    Listen and love!

  152. Jessica says:

    Family comes first!

  153. Janet says:

    consider other people’s feelings and treat them the way u would want to be treated.

  154. alison says:

    We live by leading by example, and try and find solutions to problems instead of giving up. Thanks!

  155. Chelle says:

    Be kind to others. Even if they are unkind to you. It’s something my parents instilled into me and I want to do the same with my daughter.

  156. To treat others as you want to be treated.

  157. Suanne Giddings says:

    My most valuable lesson in life was taught to me by my mother and I have passed it along: do unto others as you would have them do unto you! Thank you for the opportunity to win!

  158. Candie L says:

    The biggest rule in our house is No shoes on the couch. And they need to use sir and maam

  159. Donna K says:

    Say your prayers before bed.

  160. Donna K says:

    Say your prayers before bed.

  161. Donna K says:

    I am a subscriber

  162. Donna K says:

    I put your button on my blog.

  163. Lily Kwan says:

    The one important rule in my family is to work hard.

  164. Lily Kwan says:

    I subscribed to your feed.

  165. Kailani says:

    Vanessa

    Congratulations! You are a winner in the Rules of Parenting giveaway at An Island Life. Please contact me within 3 days with your mailing address to claim your prize.

    Thank you for your participation!

    Aloha ~ Kailani
    anislandlife at gmail dot com

  166. Kailani says:

    Sarah

    Congratulations! You are a winner in the Rules of Parenting giveaway at An Island Life. Please contact me within 3 days with your mailing address to claim your prize.

    Thank you for your participation!

    Aloha ~ Kailani
    anislandlife at gmail dot com

  167. Kailani says:

    Rebecca

    Congratulations! You are a winner in the Rules of Parenting giveaway at An Island Life. Please contact me within 3 days with your mailing address to claim your prize.

    Thank you for your participation!

    Aloha ~ Kailani
    anislandlife at gmail dot com

  168. Kailani says:

    Linda

    Congratulations! You are a winner in the Rules of Parenting giveaway at An Island Life. Please contact me within 3 days with your mailing address to claim your prize.

    Thank you for your participation!

    Aloha ~ Kailani
    anislandlife at gmail dot com

  169. Kailani says:

    My Precious Pennies

    Congratulations! You are a winner in the Rules of Parenting giveaway at An Island Life. Please contact me within 3 days with your mailing address to claim your prize.

    Thank you for your participation!

    Aloha ~ Kailani
    anislandlife at gmail dot com

  170. Kailani says:

    Kristinia

    Congratulations! You are a winner in the Rules of Parenting giveaway at An Island Life. Please contact me within 3 days with your mailing address to claim your prize.

    Thank you for your participation!

    Aloha ~ Kailani
    anislandlife at gmail dot com

  171. Kailani says:

    Pat

    Congratulations! You are a winner in the Rules of Parenting giveaway at An Island Life. Please contact me within 3 days with your mailing address to claim your prize.

    Thank you for your participation!

    Aloha ~ Kailani
    anislandlife at gmail dot com

  172. Kailani says:

    Samantha

    Congratulations! You are a winner in the Rules of Parenting giveaway at An Island Life. Please contact me within 3 days with your mailing address to claim your prize.

    Thank you for your participation!

    Aloha ~ Kailani
    anislandlife at gmail dot com

  173. Kailani says:

    Julie

    Congratulations! You are a winner in the Rules of Parenting giveaway at An Island Life. Please contact me within 3 days with your mailing address to claim your prize.

    Thank you for your participation!

    Aloha ~ Kailani
    anislandlife at gmail dot com

  174. Kailani says:

    ab

    Congratulations! You are a winner in the Rules of Parenting giveaway at An Island Life. Please contact me within 3 days with your mailing address to claim your prize.

    Thank you for your participation!

    Aloha ~ Kailani
    anislandlife at gmail dot com

  175. Bedtime is bedtime. Or in my house, ‘it’s sleep time, not party time’!

  176. Interesting article thanks!

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    Reviewers at An Island Life do not receive monetary compensation for their reviews. They are sent a complimentary item in exchange for their honest opinions and receiving a free product does not influence their review posts. All opinions and thoughts are their own, and different people may have different outcomes. We are not responsible for those who purchase these items and experience different results. Occasionally, the company provides a product to give away as well.